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Works for Queensland delivers $3M boost for Burdekin Shire projects

Posted on19th Sep 2017

Burdekin Shire Council will construct a new visitor information centre as part of a $3 million Works for Queensland funding boost supporting 14 projects across the Shire.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said Council had identified tourism as an economic driver for the Shire and a new visitor information centre at Plantation Park in Ayr was seen a key step in growing this vital market.

“Our Council submitted a wish list of 14 projects to be considered for the 2017-19 program earlier this year. I’m delighted to announce we were successful.

“We’ve been awarded $3 million in total. This includes $1 million to demolish and remove the existing visitor information centre at Plantation Park and construct a new one, along with $200,000 to continue extending the Nature Based Play Space at Plantation Park.

“We’ve also been allocated $350,000 to carry out an infrastructure and drainage upgrade at Ayr Showgrounds, $100,000 for the installation of a fuel facility at Ayr Aerodrome and $100,000 to upgrade the public toilets in Queen Street.”

Cr McLaughlin said some of the other projects earmarked for funding included $200,000 to replace footpaths around the Shire, $60,000 to replace the existing softfall at Anzac Park Playground, $50,000 for public artworks and $50,000 to install exercise stations along the Burdekin Be Active Trail.

She said a new visitor information centre had been identified as a priority for the Burdekin Shire.

“Ayr’s visitor information centre should be a showcase for the region – unfortunately, we’re limited by what can be achieved within the existing building,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Visitor information centres are a first point of call for tourists.

“They play an important role in engaging with and providing information to our visitors, but also in promoting our tourism products.

“A new tourist information centre will be a game changer for our Shire.

“Along with the Burdekin Gateway Visitor Information Centre at Home Hill, it will ensure drive tourists from both the north and south have the best opportunity to acquire information about our tourism products.

“Council is grateful to the Queensland Government for making all of this possible.”